DC Voters for Animals Urges Opposition to Federal Power Grab on Local Food Policy

Washington, D.C. – DC Voters for Animals (DCVFA) is calling on statehood champions, local leaders, and food systems advocates to oppose the Food Security and Farm Protection Act (FSFPA)—a dangerous bill in Congress that would strip cities and states of their right to enact local food and farm policy.

Backed by powerful industrial agriculture interests, the FSFPA is a direct assault on state and local democracy. It aims to nullify laws like California’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts’ Question 3, which require farm animals to have enough space to turn around or stretch their limbs—basic welfare standards overwhelmingly supported by voters.

“Big Ag is clearly trying to overturn extremely popular animal welfare laws,” said Max Broad, Executive Director of DC Voters for Animals. “As D.C. residents, our democratic rights are already severely limited. Now, Congress wants to go even further—blocking not just D.C., but every state and city from protecting animals, consumers, and the environment through local law.”

In 2023, the Supreme Court upheld Prop 12, affirming that states have the constitutional right to set agricultural standards—even if those laws affect commerce. The FSFPA would overturn that ruling and undermine state sovereignty.

“I’m proud to stand with DC Voters for Animals and all concerned Americans as we oppose FSFPA. Protections against corporate greed are critical for our food quality, health outcomes and animal safety” said Rep Oye. “As DC’s Representative I’m calling on my fellow elected colleagues to speak out and pass local legislation to protect animal safety. I’m proud to support DCVFA and their ongoing push for a safer and healthier DC.”

The threat does not stop at animal welfare. A Harvard Law School analysis warns that the FSFPA could gut a wide range of public health and safety protections, including:

• Lead exposure prevention

• Zoonotic and infectious disease control

• Invasive pest and plant disease management

• Fishing and environmental regulations

• Horse slaughter bans

• Labeling requirements for food and consumer products

• Drug control laws

• Procurement and licensing rules
  
  

The analysis concludes the bill is “unconstitutional in several different ways,” chiefly for violating the Tenth Amendment by attempting to commandeer state authority.

“The Food Security and Farm Protection Act is a naked attempt to override the will of voters, the authority of states, and the results of a Supreme Court case authorizing the implementation of minimal animal welfare protections for farmed animals,” said Assistant Dean Kathy Hessler of the George Washington University Law School. “It would eliminate the ability of voters and state authorities to regulate many other harmful industry practices, even over the objections of numerous companies who support reasonable regulation. This attempt to take the power of citizens, legislatures, and courts and vest it in corporations can not be supported.”

DCVFA urges Congress to reject this overreach and calls on all who support home rule, public health, and animal welfare to speak out against the FSFPA.

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About DC Voters for Animals
DCVFA lifts up the policies and politicians doing the most for animals and our community in DC. We advocate for all animals, including companion animals such as cats and dogs, animals in farms and labs such as chickens and beagles, and wildlife such as foxes and deer.